Nov. 4-10. Stephen Rush oversees his "interactive floating labyrinth" that amplifies, combines, and manipulates natural sounds in and around the pond. A remote-control toy boat traverses a 40-foot-square wooden maze that floats in the pond, triggering sounds, lights, and video loops. Rush says "the music is techno-ambient in nature--it sure ain't Gramma's Mahler!" This year's production features sensors that detect the pulse of visitors and coordinate the music and lights to that pulse.
Noon-9 p.m., U-M Music School pond, 1100 Baits (off Broadway), North Campus. Free. 764-0594. [map]

The kingdom of Kush ruled much of the middle Nile valley in what is now Sudan during a span of more than 2000 years. It played a historically significant role in ancient Egypt and the broader Middle East, and was connected to these regions and to sub-Saharan Africa through its extensive trade contacts. Yet culturally, politically, and economically, Kush differed fundamentally from its neighbors. This talk provides an overview of the cultural trajectory of Kush and argues for its importance in a comparative understanding of ancient civilizations.
2022 Thayer Building, 202 S Thayer Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Free. sofiar@umich.edu. sofiar@umich.eduhttp://www.lsa.umich.edu/neareast/ [map]

Sam Harris is someone who has done much to change the world. In recognition of the release of the 20th anniversary edition of his book, Reclaiming Our Democracy, he will be speaking at the Ross School of Business. In the words Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Prize winner for his work in microfinance at the Grameen Bank," Make no mistake, this book is not about advocacy by mouse click, phone messages left at Congressional switchboards, handwritten letters drafted during coffee hour and then forgotten, or lighting up Facebook and Twitter. It is about uncovering and then lighting up the unquenchable desire in each of us to make a difference in the world. It is about providing a powerful structure of support so that our courage is what drives us, not our fear. That is why this 20th anniversary edition of Reclaiming Our Democracy is so critically important. The courage this book shows us how to unleash is our only hope to save creation for our grandchildren and for theirs."
R0230 Ross School of Business, U-M, 701 Tappan. Free. 734-615-6663. mdgordon@umich.eduhttp://www.reclaimingourdemocracy.com/book/ [map]

SANDHILL CRANES GATHER last year there were over 8000 Cranes within 2 hours flying in over our heads!Every Saturday & Sunday in October & November. The best viewing is End of October Beginning of November. Time: 2:00 pm until dusk. Where: Self guided driving maps are available at any participating shop in Chelsea and Manchester. Tour the flight path of the 40 decorated Sandhill Cranes recycled metal sculptures in and around Chelsea and Manchester. Then check out the beautiful fall colors as you spot the cranes in the farm fields. From 4:00 pm until dusk, join the Jackson Audubon Society members at the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary, who will answer your crane questions. Come and be a part of natures finest moment. Bring your friends, family and neighbors to enjoy our natural surroundings. Spotting scopes are available. Bring your camera and binoculars. Stop in Chelsea to warm up, share all your photographs.
Haehnle Sanctuary, Seymour Rd & Fairlane Dr., Grass Lake, Chelsea. Donation. sandhillcranesmi@hotmail.comwww.sandhillcranesgather.com or www.haehnlesanctuary.org

Screening of highlights of the 2013 version of this prestigious NYC film festival.

Oct. 7: Supporting Characters (Daniel Schechter, 2012). Comedy about 2 New York film editors who balance their personal relationships while reworking a movie in crisis. Alex Karpovsky, Tarik Lowe.

Oct. 14: The English Teacher (Craig Zisk, 2013). Comic drama about an English teacher whose life is disrupted when a former student returns to her small town after failing as a playwright in New York. Julianne Moore, Michael Angarano.

Oct. 21: What Richard Did (Lenny Ambrahamson, 2012). Quietly devastating drama about the golden boy of a privileged set of Dublin teens who does something that destroys his own bright future and shatters the lives of the people closest to him. Jack Reynor, Roisin Murphy.

Oct. 28: A Single Shot (David M. Rosenthal, 2013). Atmospheric thriller about a cat and mouse between a hunter and the hardened backwater criminals out for his blood. Sam Rockwell, William H. Macy.

Nov. 4: Let the Fire Burn (Jason Osder, 2013). Documentary about the the 1985 tragedy that unfolded when Philadelphia police dropped two pounds of military explosives onto a city row house occupied by the radical group MOVE and did not fight the resulting fire for more than an hour.

Aerial Silks, also known as Tissu or Ribbons, are a fabric apparatus hung from above that is climbed, wrapped around the body, and/or tied to create dramatic drops, poses and movements in the air. This class is designed for beginning aerialists to gain confidence and strength in the fundamentals of Aerial Silks. You will learn basic climbs and descents, how to apply foot locks, and work towards inversions.Strength makes it seamless! This is also an excellent conditioning class for established aerialists looking to hone their transitions and perfect their technique, without focusing on choreography.$25 per single one hour classSix student maximumDrop in students are welcome, but registering online will guarantees you a spot in class!
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd. $25. (734) 726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/aerial-silks-basics-conditioning/ [map]

Do you love to bake? Or are you afraid to bake? Either way these class(es) are for you! New ideas for the experienced baker OR hands-on with full instruction for the novice - either way, we've got you covered! Join us for a three-part holiday baking extravaganza and breathe some NEW life into your repertoire! You will learn some fabulous desserts from a fabulous Pastry Chef that will have your guests talking for weeks to come. All you have to do is come have fun with us in the A2Cooks kitchen AND get yourself ready for the constant barrage of complements you're going to receiving! Full participation. YOU MAKE TAKE 1, 2 OR ALL 3 OF THE CLASSES - THE CHOICE IS YOURS (DISCOUNT FOR TAKING ALL 3)! This class meets on 3 consecutive Mondays (10/28 - Thanksgiving Desserts, 11/4 - Holiday Cookies, 11/11 - The Showstoppers) Register online at www.annarborcooks.comAnn Arbor Cooks!, 5060 Jackson Road. $75/person per class or $210/person for 3-class series. 734-645-1030. www.annarborcooks.com [map]

Club members show and critique their bonsai and discuss bonsai trees that are part of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens collection. Also, a potluck (bring a dish to pass & your own tableware).
6 p.m., U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free; metered parking. 647-7600. [map]

Partner Acrobatics (often referred to as AcroYoga, or Acro) offers an exploration into partner dynamics, through balance postures and movement. We will be working on supporting (basing) and flying in a variety of postures, learning how to use (as well as develop) strength, stability and balance. Each class will offer a focus on different moves, allowing you to slowly build up your repertoire. If you have never tried anything like this, don't worry, this class is meant to be for everyone. We will gladly walk you through the basics. Now remember, this class is all about having fun and possibly learning something about yourself in the process. It will be available on a drop-in basis, until there is enough interest to develop into a progressive series. The cost will be $15/class, or $50/month. You can come solo, or with a partner. For more information, please check out the listed website.
Ann Arbor Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr, Ann Arbor MI 48108. $15. connor@connorotto.comwww.a2ringstar.com [map]

Readings by these 3 Michigan writers. WSU English professor Maun's Mosaics of Fire examines the personal and artistic interactions of four innovative American modernist women writers. Swan's Dog Heart is collection of poems about Saugatuck with observations such as "the sun which cannot outrun this cold crawls along/so low in the sky it catches in the trees." U-M undergrad creative writing coordinator Taylor's Marginalia for a Natural History is a collection of poems informed by the natural sciences and set in a northern landscape.
7 p.m., Nicola's, 2513 Jackson, Westgate shopping center. Free. 662-0600. [map]

Nov. 4 & 19. All invited to peer at the night sky through antique telescopes. The Observatory dome can be opened only during mild, dry weather, so check dept.astro.lsa.umich.edu/detroit.php in the late afternoon on the day of the event to see if it has been canceled due to weather conditions.
7-8:30 p.m., U-M Detroit Observatory, 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. 764-3482 (daytime), 763-2230. [map]

Aerial Silks, also known as Tissu or Ribbons, are a fabric apparatus hung from above that is climbed, wrapped around the body, and/or tied to create dramatic drops, poses and movements in the air. This class will be an introduction to using the skills learned in Aerial Silks: Basics, along with more advanced poses, to work towards a complete aerial routine. Newer students will focus on building the endurance needed to spend several minutes in the air at a time, more advanced students will layer personal style, choreography, and refinement over the basics. All students will have the option to perform at our monthly showcase event, LIFT OFF. Be ready to build strength, flexibility, and coordination - not to mention bruises in unusual places…!$25 per single one hour classSix student maximumDrop in students are welcome, but registering online will guarantee you a spot in class!
A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd. $25. (734) 726-0353. contact@a2aviary.comhttp://a2aviary.com/offerings/aerial-silks-level-1/ [map]

This Indiana pianist, known for his innovative recital programming and advocacy of new music, performs new works written for him by composers such as Mohammed Fairouz, John Griffin, and Joel Puckett.
8 p.m., U-M Music School Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits (off Broadway), North Campus. Free. 764-0594. [map]